The First Moon Gala had turned from dazzling to suffocating in record time. Xander’s threat hung in the air like an axe and kept anyone from approaching me, even for polite conversation. The students who’d been circling me earlier now kept their distance as if I carried some contagious disease.
All except Elise, Cali, and Bree, who tried to lift my spirits by chatting nonstop about nothing in particular, handing me glasses of champagne, or showering me with over-the-top compliments.
“Enough,” I groaned. No one had approached them since they had joined me, and I felt terrible for ruining their fun. “Go! Dance! Have fun! Don’t test Xander’s patience for my sake. I’ll be fine.”
“Are you sure?” Elise frowned. “We’re having fun just fine here! We can…”
“Yes, I’m sure,” I said firmly. “I nee
